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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, as luck would have it the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem in a Liverpool performance evoking memories of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status currently view him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced displaying critical phrases ahead of the match to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – poor theatrics at that – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, each distribution met with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, that he was now firmly part of history.

Naturally, the defender, garnered praise of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation as he came out among Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name was read out.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as a second-half change as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound supporters recalling players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing that represented their peak in recent months, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, stating: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to be the same manager and character amid victories.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened denied the Reds the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing evoking past matches when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these crucial three points elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his quality ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the initial forty-five testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|